There is inspiration to be found in our Valley for those who look and listen

There is inspiration to be found in our Valley for those who look and listen
EDITOR:
The place, the person and the program all conspired to make a recent Monday evening very special.
The place was the beautiful English Gothic church of St. John's on Wick Avenue. The exquisite stained glass windows were dark, but the superb acoustics of the handsome limestone structure were very much alive.
The renaissance man being honored was Dr. Ronald Gould. For over 40 years he has been the "music master" of St. John's, a leading member of the Dana School of Music faculty, and a community treasure.
The audience that packed the church braved freezing winds and icy, snow-covered roads to attend. They were not disappointed. Over 100 Dana students paid tribute to their friend Dr. Gould, retiring now from the faculty.
The first half of the program featured the Symphonic Wind Ensemble conducted by Stephen L. Gage, director of bands, assisted by Joseph Gervase, graduate student conductor.In the second half the Dana Symphony Orchestra led by William B. Slocum, music director, presented the Symphony No 3: "Organ" by Camille Saint Saens with Dr. Gould at the organ. The magnificent mighty pipe organ never sounded more glorious.
This hurting community owes a great debt to the Dana School faculty for the splendid work they are doing. The above mentioned professors, along with others such as the recently retired Dr. C. Wade Raridon, have attracted, inspired and trained many serious, dedicated students, most of whom come from states other than Ohio. These students offer hope for a cultural future that has more than politics, sports and gambling in it. With God's help there is hope for a greater future! Deo Gratius!
Father WILLIAM J. WITT
Pastor Emeritus, St. Brendan Church
Youngstown
Ignoring obvious signs is bad business for the city
EDITOR:
The comments of Youngstown City Finance Director David Bozanich in the Dec. 15 Vindicator is a very clear example of ignoring the facts because they do not suit your personal vision. Despite the testimony of business executives and employees who cite the city income tax as a major factor in relocating to Boardman, Mr. Bozanich finds these reasons, "...very hard to believe..." He then provides a litany of incentives Youngstown provides to business -- not employees -- including tax abatements and forgivable loans. Denying the voice of businesses and their workers, effectively calling them liars, is a disincentive that outweighs the supposed incentives to locate in the city!
But while cities across the United States compete for jobs by offering incentives to companies, they completely ignore the potential employees. As businesses are granted tax abatements, and the city property values continue a sharp decline, the same city officials seek increased revenues for basic services by increasing the tax burden on the employees. When will city officials realize that this is a strong disincentive for all concerned? With monthly parking fees in Youngstown in excess of $50 a month, and a 2.75% income tax, relocating to outlying areas provides, as Tom Saylor pointed out, an immediate increase in tangible income to the employees at no cost to the business!
While I confess I do not have the figures to support my supposition, it would surprise no one if the numbers show that the largest single payers of Youngstown city income tax are government/public employees, the hospitals' staffs, and Youngstown State University, all of whom are immobile and highly captive pockets of revenue!
In the same issue of The Vindicator, the flight of area youth from the Valley was the subject of a conference at Fitch High School. Only one quarter of the attendees said they would stay in the area, citing family and entertainment for reasons. As compelling as these reasons may be for that minority, the real challenge lies within the reasons students cited for our youth leaving. One wonders if officials are listening to voices such as that of 14-year-old Jamal Harrington, who observed that there are not enough "...professional job opportunities in the Valley..." Ignoring the voices of the workers, both present and future, is the exact method for fueling their flight.
ROBERT E. MEYERS
Struthers
Federal persecutors
EDITOR:
The continuing persecution of Mr. Traficant and his family and friends by the FBI is starting to make me sick. Craig Morford and Judge Wells should be the ones serving time in federal prison. The persons they gave special dispensation to should be in prison with them.
I am not a fan of Mr. Traficant, only someone who believes in fairness. The government is hell bent on breaking Mr. Traficant financially. This has been evident since the start of the farce called a trial. Now they are going after his family. Is this still America or is it the Soviet Union and the KGB of the past?
GEORGE GRIM
Youngstown